Ok, a few thoughts: 1) Not related to the game, but the video. As always, I’m just amazed by the quality of your work, Mike. Just a fantastic production in all aspects. Thanks so much for the consistently high quality videos. I always know you’re going to give me everything I want to make an informed decision on a game. 2) The art and graphic design (as well as the production) looks top notch. Not surprising since it’s coming from S&P. 3) As you point out, the topic is somewhat controversial, but it’s clear the designer has approached it with care. This game does exactly what a historical game should do - it either introduces the player to a topic or presents the top in a new and interesting way. While generally familiar with the topic already, I’m even more intrigued. I was already planning to grab this. Now I definitely will be. Thank you.
Thanks so much for the kind words, David! This video is a first attempt at an "all-in-one" format, where I want to cover the history, the components, the gameplay, and some impressions in one 30-minute video. The goal is exactly what you mention: give a viewer everything they need to make an informed purchase decision. This one ended up being 39 minutes, and I have ideas based on this attempt on how I can streamline things more in future attempts. I totally agree on #2! Regarding #3, I really like how the designer tosses the ethical questions on the player. The issues the game explores are challenging, and open up broader questions about the nature of "play" and board games in general.
Thanks so much! I'm exploring this new "all-in-one" format for showcasing games and I'm happy with this first result. Just want to streamline it to get it under 30 minutes. Thanks for stopping in and I appreciate the kind words. Your work is a great inspiration to me. :)
Your consistent and good pronunciation is really appreciated. I know it's generally seen as superfluous, but I really appreciate when a person takes take the time to try and pronounce words/names in other languages correctly. It's educational for languages I don't know and keeps the hair in my head for the languages I do know. Thanks :)
Thanks! It's amazing how many different pronunciations the internet can provide for certain locations and words. Those pronunciation videos on UA-cam are often wrong, for example. At a certain point if I want to get a video done in my lifetime I just have to give up and try my best, but I do try to spend at least a couple of minutes finding the right pronunciation for words I don't know. :)
I really like the art style used for this one. The more comic-y side of these games always appeals to me. Also super interesting subject matter. I had never heard of this man, and you're right, there's definitely controversy involved and good on the designers to take that into account. Love the format that you chose, really shines a great light on the game!
Thanks! I like that the designers are willing to bring this story to light, and I'm glad you liked the new format. I'm hopeful I can refine it some, but I think it's promising. :)
This game looks absolutely fantastic. It's going on the wishlist for certain. Would love to see a full playthrough, even if it might be long. It's such a cool narrative that can happen through each play.
It'd be fun to do a full playthrough at some point, yes. In the short run, I've got a fair number of games that have just come in, so I want to play/create videos for those first. :)
I understand how this game's subject would be controversial. However, it looks well produced. With engaging mechanics and satisfying gameflow. Not to mention I am a sucker for media that allows me to relive " A day in the life of" for people in extraordinary historical situations. I gladly backed this on Gamefound.
Thanks for covering Onoda. It looks awesome and I had never heard this story. I went onto my second monitor to purchase it while watching your video. No go. Looks like it will need to be an XMAS present to me from me.
What a fantastic video - thank you! A fascinating piece of history and game looks excellent - perfect for tired dad of three and will fit nicely on my shelf next to Maquis and The Lost Expedition. I enjoy games like this that give me the space to reflect on the experiences and choices of others. They can be an interesting connection to another time and place.
Thanks very much, I'm glad you found the video helpful. I think the word "reflect" is a great one to apply to this game. If you let it, it really does guide you into reflection on some challenging topics. And it's also a fun, challenging game.
Such a simple design element of including the names of the people makes the game so much less abstracted and tells a better story. Same thing in a game like Pavlov’s House, and some others.
I really like this. I've been working on a zombie survival game with some similarities to this, although this looks WAY better. The bag pull and holding tokens out which affects the odds is brilliant (I'm just using "roll over Noise on a d6")! I may have to add this to my collection!
Yes, the rice/number tokens are most clever indeed. The worse luck you have getting rice, the better luck you're likely to have in subsequent raids in that round, and vice versa. Creates some interesting decisions as you play through the turns.
Interesting. Expecting a slightly high price point with the inclusion of the wooden tokens, but we'll see. I don't mind paying more for something that'll last.
So during a round, you can take as many actions as you want? And then just go to the Camp when you’re ready to be done with the round? Or can you take an action on the camp spot and then keep moving to other parts of the map?
You can start by taking an action on the camp spot, yes. Depending on the alert levels on the map, taking an action on the camp location seems like a frequent good strategy.
This would be the first S&P game that I would skip. I'm Korean, and to me, Onoda Hiroo feels like a manifestation of Japanese Imperialism - the madness, the obsession, the bloodbath. I hope there will be a different iteration of this game in the future.
Totally understandable. I think it's important to note, at the same time, that to me the game doesn't take sides here, and opens some fascinating discussions on pervasive human issues.
Not at all sure why you moved back to camp to end the turn--unless he has to be at camp to end? Would have stayed at Five Hundred and wait to see where the next mission would be. Agree that the tokens having the food on them is clever!
Fair point, for sure. If you play games while imagining yourself to be the protagonist (a perfectly viable and common way to play, of course), I think this would likely be a challenging game to enjoy.
@@ZillaBlitzThat being said, I would play with these mechanics about say, Jose Serrano. That guy escaped the Bataan death march, survived in the jungle, started a group of guerillas and fought the Japanese throughout the islands. I suppose the difference is that he wasn't killing civilians.
Lol, wow. What a weird take. I assume if you are here its because you play war games. So the parts of wargames you enjoy, like destroying the enemy, that type of "crap" you are fine with. Yes, onoda killed people. Onoda also believed the war was still happening. He did wrong, but he believed he was at war.
Ok, a few thoughts:
1) Not related to the game, but the video. As always, I’m just amazed by the quality of your work, Mike. Just a fantastic production in all aspects. Thanks so much for the consistently high quality videos. I always know you’re going to give me everything I want to make an informed decision on a game.
2) The art and graphic design (as well as the production) looks top notch. Not surprising since it’s coming from S&P.
3) As you point out, the topic is somewhat controversial, but it’s clear the designer has approached it with care. This game does exactly what a historical game should do - it either introduces the player to a topic or presents the top in a new and interesting way. While generally familiar with the topic already, I’m even more intrigued.
I was already planning to grab this. Now I definitely will be. Thank you.
Thanks so much for the kind words, David! This video is a first attempt at an "all-in-one" format, where I want to cover the history, the components, the gameplay, and some impressions in one 30-minute video. The goal is exactly what you mention: give a viewer everything they need to make an informed purchase decision. This one ended up being 39 minutes, and I have ideas based on this attempt on how I can streamline things more in future attempts.
I totally agree on #2! Regarding #3, I really like how the designer tosses the ethical questions on the player. The issues the game explores are challenging, and open up broader questions about the nature of "play" and board games in general.
@@ZillaBlitz well I absolutely love the format!
An absolutely fantastic presentation of the game. Thank you for such a clear overview and walk through of the game play.
Thanks so much! I'm exploring this new "all-in-one" format for showcasing games and I'm happy with this first result. Just want to streamline it to get it under 30 minutes. Thanks for stopping in and I appreciate the kind words. Your work is a great inspiration to me. :)
Your game reviews are superb. Thank you for your efforts.
Thanks very much! I'm glad you're finding them helpful. :)
Your consistent and good pronunciation is really appreciated. I know it's generally seen as superfluous, but I really appreciate when a person takes take the time to try and pronounce words/names in other languages correctly. It's educational for languages I don't know and keeps the hair in my head for the languages I do know. Thanks :)
Thanks! It's amazing how many different pronunciations the internet can provide for certain locations and words. Those pronunciation videos on UA-cam are often wrong, for example.
At a certain point if I want to get a video done in my lifetime I just have to give up and try my best, but I do try to spend at least a couple of minutes finding the right pronunciation for words I don't know. :)
Zilla, thanks for this post. He did serve initially with three companions. I remember when he finally surrendered. Stunning news, in its day.
My pleasure, and Onoda was the second to last, I believe. There was one who held out longer.
I really like the art style used for this one. The more comic-y side of these games always appeals to me. Also super interesting subject matter. I had never heard of this man, and you're right, there's definitely controversy involved and good on the designers to take that into account. Love the format that you chose, really shines a great light on the game!
Thanks! I like that the designers are willing to bring this story to light, and I'm glad you liked the new format. I'm hopeful I can refine it some, but I think it's promising. :)
Love that you're including English and Spanish in 1 box for most recent games
I think it's great, and I can use the Spanish cards to practice Spanish. :)
This game looks absolutely fantastic. It's going on the wishlist for certain. Would love to see a full playthrough, even if it might be long. It's such a cool narrative that can happen through each play.
It'd be fun to do a full playthrough at some point, yes. In the short run, I've got a fair number of games that have just come in, so I want to play/create videos for those first. :)
I understand how this game's subject would be controversial. However, it looks well produced. With engaging mechanics and satisfying gameflow. Not to mention I am a sucker for media that allows me to relive " A day in the life of" for people in extraordinary historical situations. I gladly backed this on Gamefound.
Definitely a well produced, thoughtful game covering a subject that can open up meaningful discussions on some challenging topics.
Excellent gameplay, thank you!
Thanks!
Thanks for covering Onoda. It looks awesome and I had never heard this story. I went onto my second monitor to purchase it while watching your video. No go. Looks like it will need to be an XMAS present to me from me.
Yes, it's not out until November, so a bit of a wait still. Christmas present timing is probably perfect. Thanks for stopping in! :)
Thank you for this. I had never heard of this one. Will be looking for it when it's available.
My pleasure, definitely an intriguing game.
What a fantastic video - thank you! A fascinating piece of history and game looks excellent - perfect for tired dad of three and will fit nicely on my shelf next to Maquis and The Lost Expedition. I enjoy games like this that give me the space to reflect on the experiences and choices of others. They can be an interesting connection to another time and place.
Thanks very much, I'm glad you found the video helpful. I think the word "reflect" is a great one to apply to this game. If you let it, it really does guide you into reflection on some challenging topics. And it's also a fun, challenging game.
@@ZillaBlitz Very much looking forward to giving it a go!
Good luck, and I hope you enjoy it. :)
Thanks another on the shelf well done
Cheers
Thanks!
Such a simple design element of including the names of the people makes the game so much less abstracted and tells a better story.
Same thing in a game like Pavlov’s House, and some others.
Yes, I think they were the actual names of the companions he had with him on the island.
One thing about human beings....we're gonna be a pain in the butt to the aliens when they attack...
And yet I hope I don't have to hide on an island and harass aliens for 30 years. :)
@@ZillaBlitz lol lol
I really like this. I've been working on a zombie survival game with some similarities to this, although this looks WAY better. The bag pull and holding tokens out which affects the odds is brilliant (I'm just using "roll over Noise on a d6")! I may have to add this to my collection!
Yes, the rice/number tokens are most clever indeed. The worse luck you have getting rice, the better luck you're likely to have in subsequent raids in that round, and vice versa. Creates some interesting decisions as you play through the turns.
Looks interesting, especially with the fast game play.
Definitely a fun lunch game. :)
Interesting. Expecting a slightly high price point with the inclusion of the wooden tokens, but we'll see.
I don't mind paying more for something that'll last.
Yes, I'm quickly becoming a fan of a slightly higher price point if it means a higher quality product.
A very interesting game !
Every game so far has evolved differently too. I'm sure there will be similarities after a while, but I like the variety the game is giving me so far.
So during a round, you can take as many actions as you want? And then just go to the Camp when you’re ready to be done with the round? Or can you take an action on the camp spot and then keep moving to other parts of the map?
You can start by taking an action on the camp spot, yes. Depending on the alert levels on the map, taking an action on the camp location seems like a frequent good strategy.
This would be the first S&P game that I would skip. I'm Korean, and to me, Onoda Hiroo feels like a manifestation of Japanese Imperialism - the madness, the obsession, the bloodbath.
I hope there will be a different iteration of this game in the future.
Totally understandable. I think it's important to note, at the same time, that to me the game doesn't take sides here, and opens some fascinating discussions on pervasive human issues.
Not at all sure why you moved back to camp to end the turn--unless he has to be at camp to end? Would have stayed at Five Hundred and wait to see where the next mission would be.
Agree that the tokens having the food on them is clever!
Yes, you have to end the round in Kyanpu. :)
🐒. Oh, where did you find this,,,,, hope you do a playthough 🌊 ,,,🐍
Coming to Gamefound in November. :)
You lost me when I saw the "Attack the house of a farming family."
I don't think the intent of the game is to adopt the moral stance of Onoda.
@@ZillaBlitz I know, it's just me. Thanks.
@@jefft786 I can relate. There are sides I struggle with to play in games, just can't get the moral distance required.
Nah, I will not buy this one. I have a hard time considering to re-enact the actions of a gentleman that killed 30 civilians over the years.
Weird theme right?
Fair point, for sure. If you play games while imagining yourself to be the protagonist (a perfectly viable and common way to play, of course), I think this would likely be a challenging game to enjoy.
@@ZillaBlitzThat being said, I would play with these mechanics about say, Jose Serrano. That guy escaped the Bataan death march, survived in the jungle, started a group of guerillas and fought the Japanese throughout the islands. I suppose the difference is that he wasn't killing civilians.
That'd be a fantastic adaptation, yes. I really like the idea.
To me the theme is the most interesting thing about this game. Not to mention it is an experience that may come in useful in the future.
Shameful in real life but I guess if you can overlook the shame, go ahead and play this crap...
Lol, wow. What a weird take. I assume if you are here its because you play war games. So the parts of wargames you enjoy, like destroying the enemy, that type of "crap" you are fine with. Yes, onoda killed people. Onoda also believed the war was still happening. He did wrong, but he believed he was at war.
The hero vs. criminal discussion could be a whole video to itself. So many interesting angles to consider.